Dodge Hybrids
This article discusses Dodge hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs. If you’re doing research or trying to decide if you want to buy a hybrid vehicle, this is a good place to start.
As fuel prices keep rising, the Dodge hybrids give consumers an option when considering a vehicle purchase based on fuel economy.
Hybrids are a new type of vehicle that combine a battery pack with fuel to create a more efficient vehicle. Other factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase a hybrid are the quality of the vehicle, hybrid car cost, operating costs – not only the fuel costs, but potentially having to replace the battery pack, safety features , and availability.
The Dodge hybrid business started when Chrysler Dodge was challenged in 1993 to come out with a vehicle that would be more efficient. The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles was formed to get American companies to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. Chrysler Dodge produced the Dodge Intrepid ESX 1 in 1996, with a goal of achieving 80 MPG . This vehicle proved too expensive to produce for the mass market, with a cost of $90K to the consumer.
Over the years, two more models were created: the ESX II in 1998 and the ESX III in 2003. The ESX II has been dubbed a “mybrid” because it was a mild hybrid, and the primary power came from the diesel engine. The electric motor kept the batteries charged. This vehicle ended up with a final cost of around $37K. In order to cut down on weight and cost of this vehicle, Chrysler Dodge fit the vehicle with a thermoplastic body without paint on an aluminum frame. Dodge continued to try to streamline this design, and the research went a long way to making American hybrid cars marketable.
The third attempt at the ESX in 2003 proved that technology had come a long way. This Dodge hybrid model had achieved 72 MPG and weighed in at 2,250 lbs. The vehicle was more than 80% recyclable. Dodge, however, has retired the Intrepid nameplate and did not produce a marketable hybrid sedan.
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The Dodge hybrids include a new 2009 Dodge Durango hybrid that is currently available on the market. This vehicle has combined hybrid vehicles and sports utility into what was originally thought an impossibility. The starting price is around $42K for one of these vehicles, and the benefits are considerable. This vehicle will have a 300-volt battery pack beneath the seats, charged by regenerative braking. A converter under the hood will turn the battery pack’s AC power to DC power for the lights, climate control, and the radio.
The 2009 Durango hybrid is to be made available as an all-wheel model, with all the equipment and features that go with the top of the line; seating for eight, heated front seats, power -adjustable pedals, rearview camera, and a power lift gate. The Dodge’s MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment system.
The Dodge hybrid’s Durango Infotainment System includes an eight-inch touch screen, navigation system and voice activation… including real-time traffic. It also has a 20-gigabyte hard drive, which holds music and picture files.
Fuel economy for this model is estimated to 18 MPG city and 19 MPG on the highway. This boosts city fuel economy by about 40%, and 25% for highway compared to the current 13 and 18 MPG for the current AWD Durango. On the inside of the vehicle, the Durango hybrid contains a power gauge that shows a green economy zone so the drive can aim for optimal fuel economy.
This is an exciting feature for those concerned with owning a clean fuel vehicle.
The Dodge Durango also has a safety feature in the event of an accident. If the airbags are deployed, emergency personnel can pull the high voltage service disconnect at the battery pack. Once it has been pulled, the system has to reset, and the vehicle runs a self-diagnostic test before it will restart.
The Dodge hybrid is working to introduce a hybrid Dodge Ram in 2010 . This is a full size truck that will give a 30% boost in fuel economy. The Dodge Ram hybrid will use a battery pack and a Multi-Displacement 5.7 Hemi , which means it will run as a 4 cylinder in the highway and an 8 cylinder in the city. Towing ability should not be affected with this combination, but it is advised that when towing, don’t expect the same savings in gas mileage, but with regular driving, it is estimated to get 19 MPG city, 18 MPG highway.
In order to keep up with the changing world, Dodge seems to be making strides towards creating a hybrid that will be affordable to purchase and operate. Let’s keep our eyes open for the new models that will be coming out soon – hopefully we will be able to cross the technology over for sedans and minivans.